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Eurovision Semi-Final 2: The Winners Who Qualified

The second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest had some amazing qualifiers, the Grand Final is set to be an amazing show this weekend.

The opening act for Semi-Final two was a real treat that explained to everyone what the Eurovision Song Contest is. Check it out below.

Hosts Måns Zelmerlöw and Petra Mede show off their singing ability in this classic Disney musically-inspired song explaining Eurovision in all its glory, from the many different languages sung to the difference from the very first contest to now. Måns Zelmerlöw is a singing sensation proving he definitely deserved to win the competition last year. As for Petra Mede, she is the star of the entire show, an amazing presenter, a great comedian, and a pretty good singer too, Eurovision would not be the same without her, and if the contest returns to Sweden soon I hope and pray she hosts it again. A class performance, an amazing song with references to musical theatre performance numbers. This is something you have to watch.

So who got through? Here are the ten acts that qualified for the Grand Final.

Latvia’s Justs – “Heartbeat”

Cute guy singing a song that was written by Latvian’s 2015 entrant Aminata. Strong, powerful and meaningful, Justs puts a lot of emotion in this amazing song, this is definitely a real contender. He needs to do exactly this, this weekend.

Poland’s Michal Szpak – “Colour of Your Life”

Michal Szpak, dressed as a circus ringleader, performs majestically. An impressive voice that was matched with a not-so great song. His vocals were on point, just the song let the whole thing down. Hopefully he’ll pull it out the bag and surprise us all in the Grand Final.

Israel’s Hovi Star – “Made of Stars”

Definitely a star, if he’s name wasn’t enough they put it in the title of the song too, this guy is not only an amazing vocalist but has exceptional stage presence, engaging the audience in his emotion. He really has connected with this song, and it’s not surprising that he got through. Definitely a fan-favourite, this is going to do well.

Serbia’s Sanja Vučić ZAA – “Goodbye (Shelter)”

Full of tassels, this is no joke act. Sanja Vučić gave a dominant performance as she effortlessly pushes a guy away. Not exactly a memorable song, but if placed in the right position, then this could do well. Hauntingly magical she did her best considering she was ill, although there was an awkward scream, that she needs to nail this weekend.

Lithuania’s Donny Montell – “I’ve Been Waiting for This Night”

Donny Montell has returned after a four-year break. Back in 2012, Donny Montell placed 14th, will he fair better this time around? With a much better song and stylishly beautiful, Donny Montell is the heartthrob this year. Great vocals, catchy song, it’s just missing something performance wise.

Australia’s Dami Im – “Sound of Silence”

For those of you who think Australia doesn’t deserve to be in the competition, Dami Im has just proved you all wrong. She made it through to the Grand Final, with this incredible song. She will be an unstoppable force this year, wowing us with her vocals, she nailed every note. That is not all Australia had to show us, they also had visual effects and tricks which made Dami Im the spotlight of Eurovision. She’s the one to watch this year, and for the future, she’s a world-class superstar in the making.

Bulgaria’s Poli Genova – “If Love Was a Crime”

Another returning artist, Poli Genova competed back in 2011, she failed to qualify for the Grand Final, however she’s done it this time around. With a light-up arrow in her ear, she looks glamorous. She puts on a perfect show, with great stage presence. The song is a fun number that is definitely memorable.

Ukraine’s Jamala – “1944”

Full of emotion, Jamala puts all her effort into this as the stage alights with stunning visual illumination. The song musically isn’t anything outstanding, less than average the whole song fails to keep the audience interested. However, the lyrics and the vocals make up for what the music loses.

Georgia’s Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz – “Midnight Gold”

A bit of indie rock music for the world to see. Something different in the mists of ballads, this was obviously going to get through. Looking a bit like Liam Gallagher, the bass guitarist Giorgi Marr along with the rest of his band gave a solid performance. Camera and editing tricks are used during this act, giving a different visual for the viewers at home, but the band fails to use it to their advantage.

Belgium’s Laura Tesoro – “What’s the Pressure”

Saving the best till last, this is how you do a Eurovision performance. Mashing up Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” with Fleur East’s “Sax” musically wise, the song is a masterpiece. Laura Tesoro is the one to watch out for, definitely the underdog in this entire competition. Her vocals aren’t that strong, but she’s a singer, a dancer and a performer. Who needs a strong voice when you can put on a show like that. Amazing energy that definitely unleashed through the crowd and to the viewers at home! Watch out for Laura Tesoro.

The Grand Final takes place this weekend with an exclusive world premiere performance of “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. Join Måns Zelmerlöw and Petra Mede for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Grand Final, this weekend. Catch up is available on eurovision.tv